Kaduna, Katsina top list of states with highest kidnap suspects arrested in four weeks

Police officers in Abuja displaying bullets seized from the criminal group

KADUNA and Katsina are the states with highest number of kidnap suspects arrested in the last four weeks, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu has said.

Kaduna State recorded the highest number of arrested kidnap suspects with 101 suspects followed by Katsina State with 79.

Adamu stated this on Monday during the monthly meeting of the IGP with police management team and other senior police officers at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He said the operatives of Operation Puff Adder have in the last four weeks arrested 920 suspects for kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and cultism.

The IGP explained that 424 of the suspects were arrested for kidnapping, 44 for murder, 276 were for armed robbery while 176 were for cultism.

Adamu also said 77 stolen vehicles were recovered across the country by operatives of Operation Puff Adder.

“Sequel to the launch of Operation Puff Adder in all the States of the Federation and other security strategies recently emplaced to address internal security threats, a total number of 424 kidnappers were arrested between 10th May 2019, and 14th, June, 2019,” he said.

“The highest number of 101 kidnap suspects was arrested in Kaduna State, followed by Katsina State with 79 arrests.”

He added that 54 suspects were apprehended in Nasarawa State and 32 in Taraba State.

Speaking on murder suspects arrested, the police chief said a total of 44 murder suspects were arrested during the period under review, with the highest number of seven in FCT and six in Kano State.”

Also, he said 276 armed robbery suspects were arrested within the same period with the highest number of 38 in Edo State, followed by 25 in Nasarawa State and 23 in FCT.

On recoveries made, the IGP said, “A total of 10,860 ammunition of various descriptions and calibre were recovered while a total of 301 firearms including a rocket launcher, AK47 assault rifles, pistols and locally made gun, were similarly recovered from criminal elements across the country, with the highest number of 80 in Katsina State, followed by Edo State with 26 and Kaduna State with 25.

Suspected cultists arrested 176 across the country while 77 stolen vehicles were recovered by operatives nationwide between 10th May, 2019 and 14th June, 2019, with the highest number of 29 in FCT,” he said.

The IGP said that the successes were recorded as a result of the cooperation of members of the public and the sacrifices, courage, zeal and exceptional dedication of police officers.

He emphasised that the crime rate in the recent times has been on the decline in contrast to the previous months.